3 Ways that Museums Can Generate Engagement with eLearning
June 9, 2022
Museums provide education, inspiration, and opportunities for community involvement that go far beyond field trips for schoolchildren. They invite anyone inside and steep them in an understanding of history, society, art, or science. In today’s increasingly digital world, museums that keep their knowledge tucked behind marble pillars and glass doors failed to engage people in the most effective way. eLearning opportunities not only bring more accessible information to classrooms and curricula, but they can also grab the attention of people who may have forgotten just how important museums are.
1. Museums Are at the Cutting Edge of Learning
As an educational source, museums stand at the top of the list. Combining their galleries with digital content on an eLearning platform makes them an even more valuable resource for schools. Field trips are logistically difficult, expensive, and inaccessible to many students. Over 2500 Google tours [1], virtual reality experiences, assets like digital coloring book pages, and live streams bring the museum experience into the classroom instead. They currently spend $2 billion annually [2] on curriculum-supporting activities.
Educational technology has become commonplace in most schools across the country. As museums have long held the intention of sharing something extra that cannot be found in a textbook or a basic website, they must develop a more robust digital presence. The younger generations use devices as an integral part of their everyday life. It simply makes sense to expand their use in more positive ways.
2. People Expect Digital Twins
As the name implies, digital twins are tech-based or virtual representations of an object. Instead of viewing a piece of pottery on a museum display shelf, you can explore a 3D model on your computer screen or even through a VR headset. Three-quarters of IoT-equipped corporations [3] across industries already use digital twins or intend to implement them. Museums are well-positioned to enter this $3.1 billion market [4]. The amount of information shared with this type of digital display cannot be ignored.
Not only can students see an object from all sides with a bi-quality digital representation, but they can also interact with it in a way that satisfies a more hands-on learner experience. Even digital manipulation engages the senses better than a flat screen or paper source.
3. Museums Must Expand Their Missions with Digital Offerings
Many museums have already taken the plunge when it comes to digital interactivity and eLearning opportunities. However, more need to expand their missions to reach everyone in the community, across the country, and around the world. Integration with school curriculums is especially important in low-income and minority communities [5] as they are less likely to have access to computers and high-speed Internet at home. A survey of over 340,000 students [6] worldwide showed that teachers’ use of technology with well-designed eLearning programs was one of the most effective ways of expanding knowledge and engagement.
When it comes to the development of high-quality eLearning opportunities, museums need a partner like Amesite. Contact us for more information about how we can create a digital resource that engages the mind of students and community members alike.
